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Tunes | Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

The incomparable Iris Dement belts out this old gospel song - in a very different, aching way - at the end of True Grit. Her version breaks your heart and would be perfect for a funeral. This rendition by the Blind Boys of Mississippi about half a century back makes you feel like you're already in heaven.

I'm guessing the Coen Bros. first heard that song in "Night Of The Hunter" Robert Mitchum sings the song several times in the film, once with Lillian Gish. That version is on one of the THE OXFORD AMERICAN southern music compilations.